Original Item: Only One Available. The Springfield Model 1863 rifled musket is a .58 caliber rifled musket produced by the Springfield Armory between 1863 and 1865. The Model 1863 was a minor improvement over the Springfield Model 1861. As such, it is sometimes classified as just a variant of the Model 1861. The Model 1861, with all of its variants, was the most commonly used longarm in the American Civil War, with over 700,000 manufactured. The Model 1863 also has the distinction of being the last muzzle-loading longarm produced by the Springfield Armory.

The Model 1863 was produced in two variants. The Type I eliminated the band springs and replaced the flat barrel bands with oval clamping bands. It also featured a new ramrod, a case-hardened lock, a new hammer, and a redesigned bolster (percussion chamber). Several of these modifications were based upon Colt's contract model 1861, known as the "Colt special". 273,265 Type I variants were manufactured in 1863.

The Type II is sometimes referred to as the Model 1864, but is more commonly referred to as just a variant of the Model 1863. This version re-introduced band springs, replaced the clamping bands with solid oval bands, and replaced the three leaf rear sight with single leaf sight. A total of 255,040 of these were manufactured from 1864 to 1865.

By the end of the Civil War, muzzle-loading rifles and muskets were considered obsolete. In the years following the Civil War, many Model 1863 muskets were converted into breech-loading "Trapdoor Springfields". The breech-loading weapons increased the rate of fire from 3 to 4 rounds per minute to 8 to 10 rounds per minute. The Model 1863 could be converted to breech-loading for about $5, at a time when a new rifle would cost about $20. The conversion of Model 1863 rifles therefore represented a significant cost savings to the U.S. military.

This type I 1863 however escaped conversion, however it was shortened by 12 inches, and looks to have had the rifling either worn down, or purposely removed to turn this into a shotgun. It has a star on the left butt stock, and a number 102 under the rear lock screw, both marked in silver nails, so that may indicate it was taken home after the war, and converted to a more useful configuration. Definitely worth of further research.

It is dated 1863 on the lock plate tail, and also has an Eagle stamped into the lock over U.S. / SPRINGFIELD, indicating production at Springfield Armory, in Springfield Massachusetts. The markings on the lock are clear and overall the lock plate is in good condition, with a nice gray patina, with some rust peppering. Unfortunately, the lock itself is non functional, as the main spring is missing, and the main spring link has sheared off. However the sear, sear spring, tumbler and other components are sound, so it could easily be returned to working order.

The cap bolster also has the proper eagle stamping, though it is almost worn off due to powder burn. The bore is completely smooth, but clear, though there is some oxidation and powder fouling in areas.

The one piece walnut stock still is in good condition, though time and cleaning have worn away the original inspection cartouches. It is structurally sound, with no repairs that we can see, though it does have some scratched in markings as shown. The barrel stills shows the V/ P/ (eagle) proofs on the left facet, but they are somewhat faint. The barrel is smooth and bright with some dents and pitting, particularly near the breech from powder burn. The date on the barrel is not legible. This gun is missing both the front and rear sights, which may not have been needed as a shotgun/musket, or they may have been removed to repair another gun.

The butt-plate is stamped U.S. as per regulation, and all barrel bands are U stamped. The ramrod is the correct and original tulip type with the straight shank, cut down to the proper length.

A very good example, offered in nice condition recently acquired from an old collection, shows a bit of age but very presentable in any U.S. Civil War collection. Fully cleaned and ready for display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1863
Caliber: .58"
Cartridge Type: Shot and Powder
Barrel Length: 28 Inches
Overall Length: 44 Inches
Action type: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Muzzle Loaded

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